We undersigned are openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender politicians with various political and ideological backgrounds. We have another thing in common too. We condemn all violence against people and especially the unequivocal attack on Bertrand DelanoŽ, Lord Mayor of Paris of last weekend, requires a clear and loud protest against violence against all people that originates from homophobia. In more and more countries the times have been changing and gay and lesbians do not have to hide anymore their sexual orientation. The lesbian and gay movements have had to come a long way before one could come out without any fear for contempt, discrimination and violence. This made it also possible for us, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender politicians from many countries, to work in parliaments and governments without the fear for libel, blackmail and other mischief. And we are not going back into hiding again. In more and more countries we politicians of various political and ideological background have come out. We appeal to those our colleagues who still hesitate, to join us and make clear to the homophobes in the world that we will not yield and at we will fight with all possible allies against contempt, hatred, discrimination and violence.

Joke Swiebel. MEP PvdA (NL), chair of the intergroup lesbian and gay rights in the EP

Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender politicians who want to adhere to this appeal may send their adherence to hverkerk@europarl.eu.int The names of those who adhere will be published on this website. The appeal is distributed to the international media and via LGTB mailing lists on the internet.